Jason S. Slakter, M.D.

Chief Executive Officer
Founder

Jason S. Slakter, M.D., a nationally and internationally recognized retinal and macular disease specialist, is the Founder and Director of the Digital Angiography Reading Center (DARC) in New York, which is the largest center for ocular image evaluation for clinical trials of posterior segment disease with over 700 certified clinical sites in over 40 countries worldwide. DARC, a privately-owned, profitable business with a staff of over 50 people worldwide, was founded in 1998 to address a significant unmet need for a rapid, accurate and validated process for securely transferring and evaluating ophthalmic images required by the FDA for screening patients and monitoring therapeutic efficacy and potential toxicities during drug development. The DARC model for digital imaging, electronic image management and assessment has become the industry standard for ophthalmic clinical trials.

In addition, Dr. Slakter has been involved extensively in the design and application of new diagnostic and treatment modalities for ophthalmic diseases. As Director of DARC, a principal investigator of many clinical trials, and a pharmaceutical industry consultant, Dr. Slakter has played a major role in the discovery, development and commercialization of treatments for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, central serous chorioretinopathy and other retinal diseases. He has provided critical assistance in the design of clinical trials at all stages of development, and has participated in numerous meetings with the FDA. In addition, Dr. Slakter served as Chief Medical Officer for Potentia Pharmaceuticals from its inception through its acquisition by Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (Novartis). He continues to oversee the ongoing clinical activities at Alcon related to the lead product related to complement inhibition for treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

Dr. Slakter is a member of numerous medical organizations including The Macula Society, The Retina Society, and The American Society of Retina Specialists, and he is the Editor-in-Chief of Retinal Physician journal. He has been the recipient of many awards including The Macula Society’s Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Award for outstanding contribution to the treatment of ocular disease by an individual under the age of 45, and the 2003 Helen Keller Manhattan League Award. Dr. Slakter has published more than 85 papers and book chapters. Dr. Slakter is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at New York University School of Medicine and currently practices at the Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York.